If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, Grand Circle travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at FREE or low-cost Single Supplements, saving up to $5000 per person.

FREE or Low-Cost Single Supplements

If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, Grand Circle travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at FREE or low-cost Single Supplements, saving up to $5000 per person.

FREE Single Supplements on All Adventures and Extensions

If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, OAT travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at no extra cost, saving up to $3795 per person.

Grand Circle Foundation: Single Supplements

There is a supplement of $425 for single room accommodations. Single rooms are very limited.

Best Price Guarantee: Find a lower price on a comparable River Cruise from another company and we'll match it

February is Friends & Family Month!

What’s better than sharing your love of travel with friends and enjoying benefits as a Vacation Ambassador? The chance to win a FREE TRIP for doing so, as part of our Friends & Family Month! Now, when you inspire a new traveler to reserve any 2015 Grand Circle Cruise Line vacation by 3/6/15, you will BOTH be entered to win a FREE TRIP for two, valued at up to $10,000 per couple.

Day by Day Itinerary

Once, the best way to travel through Europe was to cruise European rivers by river ship. And once you experience the scenic Romance of the Rhine & Mosel for yourself, you'll see that river cruising is still the best way to discover five different countries. Delight in Belgium's diverse Old World traditions ... cruise in the wake of ancient explorers in the Netherlands ... enjoy Rhineland vintages in Germany ... discover a unique side of France ... and explore one of Switzerland's most cultural-rich cities. Plus, Grand Circle's exclusive Discovery Series events will provide an even more intimate look at the region, and help you get to know its enchanting culture. Get on board for this truly relaxing and rewarding Rhine and Mosel river cruise—all for an incredible value!

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Arrive today in Brussels. A Grand Circle representative will meet you at the airport and assist with your transfer to the pier in Antwerp, where you'll embark on your Rhine and Mosel River cruise. Those who arrive early in the day will have a light lunch onboard, and the balance of the day is at leisure to relax after your overseas flight or do some exploring on your own.

Located on the banks of the Schelde River, Antwerp is Belgium's major port and has been commercially important in European trade since the eleventh century. In spite of damage suffered during both World Wars, Antwerp remains a city of beautiful historic architecture dating from the 16th century.

In the early evening, gather for an introductory briefing about your ship. Throughout your journey, you'll receive these evening briefings—called “Port Talks”—as you sail toward your next destination so you can make the best use of your free time when you arrive.

After your briefing, get better acquainted with your Program Director and traveling companions over dinner.

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After breakfast, attend an orientation briefing. Your Program Director will go over the details of your upcoming trip and answer any questions you may have. Then set off on a walking tour of this great city. You'll explore Antwerp's well-preserved Old Town, built around the Grote Markt (Town Square), and graced by the lovely old Town Hall and beautiful Guild Houses. Or marvel at the elegant spires of the Cathedral of Our Lady, or stroll along the Meir, Antwerp's main shopping street, lined with wonderfully elaborate historic buildings.

Your afternoon is free to further discover the city on your own. You may want to visit the house of the great painter Peter Paul Rubens. He purchased a 16th-century house off the Meir when he returned from Italy in 1608 and transformed it into one of the most elegant Renaissance-Baroque houses in the Low Countries. Today it is a museum, housing many of Rubens' finest works, as well as works by some of his contemporaries. Or you could visit the Steen, the small stone castle that stands at the entrance to the city. Begun as part of a 13th-century fortification, the castle has served as a prison and today houses the National Navigation Museum. Or explore the Jewish District, which has contributed to Antwerp's rich heritage since before the 13th century.

Later, you'll be officially welcomed onboard and you'll meet the ship's crew at the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. We cruise to Willemstad, where we dock for the night.

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Your morning is at leisure in Willemstad to relax or explore on your own. Or, if you choose the optional Delta Works tour, you'll ride by motorcoach to see a restoration project known worldwide for its hydro-engineering, begun after flooding had devastated Holland. Originally, the province was a collection of islands—easy prey to the sea. Now the islands are connected and protected by a series of dams, dikes, and bridges. The destructive tides that flooded the islands in 1953 and claimed the lives of 1,800 people are still remembered by the inhabitants of Zeeland. Since then, the gigantic Delta Works have prevented a recurrence. This tour shows you several of the ingenious technical achievements designed over the past 35 years, giving you an impressive idea of how the Dutch have claimed, reclaimed, and protected their homeland from the threat of the sea. You'll rejoin the ship in Willemstad.

After lunch, you'll see the 19 windmills of Kinderdijk, built around 1740. Holland, of course, is known for its windmills, and nowhere will you find more than near this little village. These sturdy windmills have been well preserved, and in 1997 were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have time to stroll around the site and take pictures of these signature attractions of Holland, which are supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation.

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After breakfast, you'll join your Program Director for a walking tour of 2,000-year-old Nijmegen—the Netherlands' oldest city. Located in the eastern part of the country near the German border, Nijmegen was built on seven hills overlooking the Waal River near its confluence with the Rhine. Site of an important battle during World War II, the city was heavily damaged and almost completely rebuilt. The town center was remarkably unscathed, however, and provides a striking contrast to the newer architecture that surrounds it. You'll have the rest of the morning to explore this historic city on your own.

Or, join an optional tour to the Liberation Museum and enjoy a walking tour afterward. At the museum, history comes alive through captivating interactive and multi-sensory exhibits. Covering the period preceding World War II, the Netherlands' occupation, and its rebuilding following liberation, this museum provides visitors with a vivid, educational, and uplifting experience.

Enjoy lunch onboard as you sail toward your next destination.

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After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Bonn, Germany. Founded by the Romans, Bonn was the provisional capital of West Germany from the years following World War II until Germany's reunification in 1990. Today, Bonn is home to numerous museums and gardens, and a large student population who live near the University of Bonn's campus. The rest of your afternoon is at leisure to explore Bonn on your own.

Or you can join an optional excursion to the Augustusburg Palace. Located in Brühl, a small town on the edge of the Naturpark Kottenforst-Ville nature reserve, you'll enjoy a guided tour of Schloss Augustusburg, a horseshoe-shaped palace widely considered to be a masterpiece of Rococo architecture. Built in the 18th century for Clemens August of Wittelsbach, the powerful Archbishop of Cologne, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was used by the German government until 1994 to receive special guests of state.

Please note: Schloss Augustusburg is closed on Mondays. Travelers visiting on Mondays will instead have the option to explore the Remagen Palace Museum.

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Disembark this morning for a tour of Reichsburg Castle, believed to have been originally constructed some time in the eleventh century. The castle was burned to the ground by King Louis XIV of France in 1689 during the War of the Palatine Succession. The castle remained derelict and in a state of detritus until 1868 when it was purchased by Louis Ravene, a Berlin entrepreneur who converted the castle into a summer home for himself and his family. In 1978, ownership of the castle fell into the hands of the city of Cochem, which has since opened it to the public.

Your minivan will take you on a scenic ascent from the river valley to the top of the rocky hill on which the castle sits. You'll explore the exterior and interior, and have free time in Cochem, before returning to your ship to sail toward your next destination.

Join us in the lounge this evening for after-dinner entertainment.

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This morning, join your Program Director for a stroll around Bernkastel, one of the prettiest towns in the Mosel Valley. Actually, Bernkastel is two towns; its sister town, Kues, sits on the opposite bank of the Mosel. Then, you'll visit one of Bernkastel's most famous wineries to sample some of its vintages as part of an Exclusive Discovery Series event.

After lunch, relax and enjoy the scenery as you continue your Mosel River cruise, then enjoy dinner onboard.

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After breakfast, join us for a tour of Trier. There were settlements here in the third millennium before Christ, and the Roman Emperor Augustus founded a thriving city here in 15 BC.

During your tour, you'll visit the imposing Porta Nigra (“Black Gate”), a towering Roman gateway built around AD 200. This is the largest surviving city gate from ancient Roman times, and for the empire it served not only as a means of protection, but also as a symbol of strength and power.

You'll also visit the pedestrian-only Market Square, one of the most magnificent squares in all of Germany. Here you can admire the central fountain, built in 1595. You can take some free time on your own here at the market, or view the massive basilica, built by Constantine in AD 310.

After returning to the ship for lunch, the balance of your day is at leisure. You can use our shuttle service to revisit this delightful town and then set out to explore it on your own. You may want to visit the Frankenturm ("Tower of Franco"), built in the twelfth century. This tower is typical of the fortified stone houses built by wealthy merchants during the Romanesque period. Named for its 14th-century resident, Franko von Senheim, the tower contains the medieval family's living quarters.

Before dinner on board, join an informative discussion about the European Union, an exclusive Discovery Series event.

Please note: It is not always possible to dock in Trier, so we sometimes dock in Riol or Schweich. If that happens, you will be transferred to Trier by bus and all program features will remain as scheduled.

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Enjoy an informational walk in Zell—in the heart of one of the biggest wine-producing regions of Germany. Founded by the Romans in the first century, Zell is well-known for its vintages, which purportedly date to 2000 years ago. Today called Zeller Schwarze Katz, or Zell’s Black Cat after the town’s most famous feline, images of this frisky creature are ubiquitous here, and you’re sure to spot them on street signs, in shop windows, and during a stroll by the center of town, where a basalt cat statue arches its tail in the same manner as the cat that’s on the label of every bottle of wine produced here.

Or, join our full-day optional tour to Luxembourg, the tiny nation whose territory comprises less than 1,000 square miles. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy located between Belgium, France, and Germany. Here, the everyday language is Letzebuergesch, which symbolizes the national identity of the people.

Ride first by motorcoach to see the Battle of the Bulge Cemetery. Luxembourg was occupied by German forces in May 1940, and its liberation (primarily by American troops) began in September 1944. The Battle of the Bulge began with Hitler’s desperate attack through the Ardennes to attempt to drive out the Allied forces. The resulting battle, called “the greatest American battle of the Second World War” by Winston Churchill, raged here from the 16th of December 1944 through the 28th of January 1945, during which period the American troops suffered tremendous losses.

In the city of Luxembourg, you’ll see the market square, the Palais of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and the cathedral. In addition to your tour, you’ll also enjoy lunch and some leisure time to explore on your own. Then you’ll transfer to the Mosel Valley and reboard your ship in the late afternoon. Once you embark ship in the evening, you’ll set sail for Boppard and have dinner onboard.

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Join us on an optional excursion to one of the most beautiful castles standing on the hills that line the Rhine River, Marksburg Castle. The only 13th-century castle unchanged by war or reconstruction, it offers an unprecedented glimpse into the daily life of the time. Walking through the three towers and the connecting rooms, you will fully feel what it was like to live in a castle. You'll climb a stone staircase leading to the romantic bed chamber (the only room heated with a stove), see the Great Hall with its enormous fireplace (large enough to grill a steer whole), and take in a commanding vista from the east bank of the Rhine as you stand atop the towers. Then make a discovery of a different nature as you sample regional beer before returning to Boppard.

Or, spend the day at leisure in Boppard, where you are invited to join your Program Director for a walking tour in town before lunch.

Boppard has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance as a cultural and historic center for the middle Rhine region. If you joined our optional Marksburg Castle tour earlier today, you have an opportunity this afternoon to stroll this lovely town. You'll see its famous Rhine Promenade and the white towers of the Church of St. Severus.

Later, you'll be inspired as you sail the most beautiful part of the Rhine, where an imposing rock rises 440 feet above the river. Since ancient Greek mythology, there have been legends of sirens, who lure sailors to their death with sweet songs. Ancient Germanic legend places one such siren—Lorelei—here, and it is said she enticed sailors to destruction on the reef below the rock.

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After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Speyer, a town founded by the Romans in approximately AD 50 that flourished during the Middle Ages. Unfortunately, much of Speyer was destroyed in the 17th century during the Palatine War of Succession and few remnants of its glorious past survive. One exception is the Romanesque Cathedral, which you'll explore on your tour. Built between 1030 and 1125, it set a new architectural standard for the time.

Join us this afternoon for an exclusive Discovery Series Home-Hosted Kaffeeklatsch with a local family. Sample coffee and fresh, homemade cake as you glimpse everyday German home life.

Please note: It is not always possible to dock in Speyer, so we sometimes dock in Worms or Germersheim. If that happens, you will be transferred to Speyer by bus and all program features will remain as scheduled.

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This morning you can enjoy a sightseeing tour by boat along Strasbourg's canals. Strasbourg has been strategically important since ancient times. It became a free imperial city of the German Empire in 1262, and then was occupied by France in 1681 and Germany in 1871. France recovered the city in 1919 after World War I. From your boat, you'll see the major sights (including the Palais de L'Europe where the European Parliament meets) and admire the city's remarkable Renaissance architecture.

Your boat tour concludes in the town center at the Palais Rohan, which you may choose to visit during your free time. Palais Rohan, often called the "mini-Versailles," houses a gallery and three museums: an archaeological museum, a museum of the decorative arts, and a collection of European paintings. If you like, you may walk on your own from the Palais to visit the city's magnificent cathedral, one of the finest of Europe's great Gothic cathedrals, whose lofty single spire dominates the city. You'll then have free time to make your own discoveries around Strasbourg, where you perhaps you can use your included public transportation pass to explore more of the city on your own before enjoying a tram ride back to your ship.

After lunch, join an optional our optional Alsatian Highlights excursion through the famous wine region of Alsace, where the culture is a delightful blend of French and German influences. Travel through the fertile Elsass region to the wooded foothills of the Vosges Mountains and drive parts of the Route de Vin, the Alsatian Wine Road, past rolling vineyards and flower-decked villages.

You'll visit the Stork Park, where this lovely white bird is being re-populated into the local area. At one time, the bird was so plentiful in this region that it was considered the symbol of Alsace and was often mentioned in children's stories. In 1900, thousands of storks could be spotted in Alsace during the warmer spring and summer months, but by the 1980s their local population had been reduced to fewer than ten. Their numbers are again increasing, and the Stork Park offers a safe refuge for this long-legged bird. On your route, you might even spot some of their nests, high atop a local home or a church roof.

Then, enjoy an info stroll through the quaint town of Riquewihr to discover its main points of interest. You may wish to explore the town's medieval fortress, city gates, and towers. If shopping is your interest, you'll find that the shops on the main street are cozy and inviting year-round.

This evening, transfer back to Strasbourg and enjoy dinner onboard your ship.

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This morning after breakfast onboard, you visit the spa town of Baden-Baden, nestled in the thick, deep green forests. Baden-Baden has been renowned for its thermal baths since Roman times. You'll have a tour of the resort town and free time to explore on your own.

This evening, enjoy a Farewell Drink and Captain's Farewell Dinner as you sail toward Basel.

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Basel is Switzerland’s second-largest city—and one with a split personality. On the one hand, the city is dominated by giant, modern chemical concerns and pharmaceutical companies. On the other, a network of narrow alleys weaves together the city’s medieval architectural heritage. This morning, we’ll enjoy the excellent public transport system with a streetcar ride, followed by a walking tour. We’ll see the lively Marktplatz (marketplace), its colorful town hall, and the twelfth-century, red sandstone Munster (cathedral) among other highlights. To make it more convenient to explore on your own, you’ll receive a one-day streetcar ticket.

After lunch onboard, you’ll have the afternoon to relax onboard or explore Basel further at your own pace. For the rest of the day, you can continue to use your public transportation day pass.

With more than 30 museums, Basel is a well-known center of art and culture. Dating to 1662, the Museum of Fine Arts is considered the oldest public art museum in Europe. Inside, you can view old masters such as Hans Holbein, along with modern masters, such as Jasper Johns.

The Historical Museum, which is housed in a 14th-century church, contains a collection relating to the history of culture in Central Europe. Its most notable piece is the Lallenkonig ("Babbling King"), a crowned head with moveable tongue and eyes.

Later this afternoon, join an informative discussion on Switzerland Today.

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Day 16

Basel • Return to U.S.

Meals included:B

After breakfast, disembark in Basel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or, begin your optional extension to Lucerne, Switzerland.

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Arrive today in Basel. A Grand Circle representative will meet you at the airport and assist with your transfer to the pier, where you'll embark on your Rhine and Mosel River cruise. Those who arrive early in the day will have a light lunch onboard, and the balance of the day is at leisure to relax after your overseas flight or do some exploring on your own.

In the early evening, you’ll gather for an introductory briefing about your ship. Throughout your journey, you'll receive these evening briefings—called “Port Talks”—as you sail toward your next destination so you can make the best use of your free time when you arrive.

After that, get better acquainted with your Program Director and traveling companions over dinner.

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After breakfast, attend an orientation briefing. Your Program Director will go over the details of your upcoming trip and answer any questions you may have. Then explore Basel, Switzerland's second-largest city—and one with a split personality. On the one hand, giant, modern chemical concerns and pharmaceutical companies dominate the city. On the other, a network of narrow alleys weaves together the city's medieval architectural heritage. You'll enjoy the excellent public transport system with a streetcar ride, followed by a walking tour. You'll see the lively Marktplatz, the colorful town hall, and the twelfth-century, red sandstone Munster (Cathedral) among other highlights. To make it more convenient to explore on your own, you'll receive a one-day streetcar ticket.

After lunch onboard, you'll have the afternoon to explore Basel further at your own pace. For the rest of the day, you can continue to use your public transportation day pass. You can ride the streetcars to the border with either France or Germany, and walk across into either of these countries for a truly international day.

With more than 30 museums, Basel is a well-known center of art and culture. Dating to 1662, the Museum of Fine Arts is considered the oldest public art museum in Europe. Inside, you can view old masters, such as Hans Holbein, and modern masters like Jasper Johns. The Historical Museum, which is housed in 14th-century church, contains a collection relating to the history of culture in Central Europe. Its most notable piece is the Lallenkonig (Babbling King), a crowned head with moveable tongue and eyes.

Later, you'll enjoy a discussion about Switzerland Today before being welcomed onboard and meeting your ship's crew at the Captain's Welcome Drink and Dinner.

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This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour by boat along Strasbourg's canals. Strasbourg has been strategically important since ancient times. It became a free imperial city of the German Empire in 1262, and then was occupied by France in 1681 and Germany in 1871. France recovered the city in 1919 after World War I. From your boat, you'll see the major sights (including the Palais de L'Europe, where the European Parliament meets) and admire the city's remarkable Renaissance architecture.

Your boat tour concludes in the town center at the Palais Rohan, which you may choose to visit during your free time. Palais Rohan, often called "mini-Versailles," houses a gallery and three museums: an archaeological museum, a museum of the decorative arts, and a collection of European paintings. If you like, you may walk on your own from the Palais to visit the city's magnificent cathedral, one of the finest of Europe's great Gothic cathedrals. Its lofty single spire dominates the city. You then have free time to walk the lanes of the town's center on your own. Perhaps you'll use your included complimentary public transportation pass to explore more of the city on your own.

Later, perhaps you'll join us on an optional Alsatian Highlights tour through the famous wine region of Alsace, where the culture is a delightful blend of French and German influences. Travel through the fertile Elsass region to the wooded foothills of the Vosges Mountains and drive part of the “Route de Vin,” past rolling vineyards and flower-decked villages.

You'll visit the Stork Park, where this lovely white bird is being re-populated into the local area. At one time, the bird was so plentiful in this region that it was considered the symbol of Alsace and was often mentioned in children's stories. In 1900, thousands of storks could be spotted in Alsace during the warmer spring and summer months, but by the 1980s their local population had been reduced to fewer than ten. Their numbers are again increasing, and the Stork Park offers a safe refuge for this long-legged bird. On your route, you might even spot some of their nests, high atop a local home or a church roof.

Then, enjoy an info stroll through the quaint town of Riquewihr to discover its main points of interest. You may wish to explore the town's medieval fortress, city gates, and towers. If shopping is your interest, you'll find that the shops on the main street are cozy and inviting year-round. If you arrive during the fall harvest, you might even spot local wine-growers delivering the grapes that produce the region's white wines. Perhaps you'll end the afternoon sampling that wine for yourself at a sidewalk cafe and tasting one of the area's other typical specialties, such as goose liver, macaroons, or almonds.

Join us tonight after dinner for entertainment in the ship's lounge.

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After lunch onboard, you'll visit the spa town of Baden-Baden, nestled in the thick, deep green forests. Baden-Baden has been renowned for its thermal baths since Roman times. You'll have a tour of the resort town and free time to explore on your own.

Before dinner, join your Program Director for an informative Port Talk as we cruise toward Speyer.

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Today, enjoy a walking tour of Speyer, a town founded by the Romans in approximately AD 50 that flourished during the Middle Ages. Unfortunately, much of Speyer was destroyed in the 17th century during the Palantine War of Succession, and few remnants of its glorious past survive. One exception is the Romanesque Cathedral, which you’ll explore during your tour. Built between 1030 and 1125, it set a new architectural standard for the time.

Join us this afternoon for a Discovery Series Home-Hosted Kaffeeklatsch with a local family. Sample coffee and fresh, homemade cake as you glimpse everyday German home life.

In the evening, gather for a Port Talk in the lounge and then enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers.

Please note: It is not always possible to dock in Speyer, so sometimes we dock in Worms or Germersheim. If that happens, you will be transferred to Speyer by bus and all program features will take place as scheduled.

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This morning, you'll be inspired as you sail the most beautiful part of the Rhine. Pass Lorelei, the imposing rock rising 440 feet above the river. Since ancient Greek mythology, there have been legends of sirens, women-creatures who lure sailors to their death with sweet songs. Ancient Germanic legend places one such siren (Lorelei) here, and it is said she enticed sailors to destruction on the reef below the rock.

You'll disembark and join your Program Director for a walking tour of Boppard—a lovely town that's been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance as a cultural and historic center for the middle Rhine region. During your stroll, perhaps you'll see its famous Rhine Promenade and the white towers of the Church of St. Severus.

After returning to the ship for lunch, join us on an optional excursion to one of the most beautiful castles standing on the hills that line the Rhine River, Marksburg Castle. The only 13th-century castle unchanged by war or reconstruction, it offers an unprecedented glimpse into the daily life of the time. Walking through the three towers and the connecting rooms, you will fully feel what it was like to live in a castle. You'll climb a stone staircase leading to the romantic bed chamber (the only room heated with a stove), see the great hall with its enormous fireplace (large enough to grill a steer whole), and take in a commanding vista from the east bank of the Rhine as you stand atop the towers. Then make a discovery of a different nature as you sample regional beer before returning to Boppard.

Or, stay on board and sail to Koblenz, set at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. Originally established as an outpost of the Roman Empire and named Castellum apud Confluentes, the town became a city in the 13th century and served as the home of French refugees during the French Revolution.

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Disembark this morning for a tour of Reichsburg Castle, believed to have been originally constructed some time in the eleventh century. The castle was was burned to the ground by King Louis XIV of France in 1689 during the War of the Palatine Succession. The castle remained derelict and in a state of detritus until 1868 when it was purchased by Louis Ravene, a Berlin entrepreneur who converted the castle into a summer home for himself and his family. In 1978, ownership of the castle fell into the hands of the city of Cochem, which has since opened it to the public.

Your minivan will take you on a scenic ascent from the river valley to the top of the rocky hill on which the castle sits. You'll explore the exterior and interior, and have free time in Cochem, before returning to your ship to sail toward your next destination.

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This morning, join your Program Director for a stroll around Bernkastel, one of the prettiest towns in the Mosel Valley. Actually, Bernkastel is two towns; its sister town, Kues, sits on the opposite bank of the Mosel. You’ll enjoy strolling through the town’s market area.

Then, tour one of the area’s most famous wineries to get a firsthand understanding of the art of winemaking—and a sample of their fine product, of course—during today’s exclusive Discovery Series event.

Finally, spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying the scenery as your Rhine and Mosel river cruise heads toward the small river town of Issel.

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Disembark in Trier this morning for an included tour of this ancient Roman city. There were settlements here in the third millennium before Christ, and the Roman Emperor Augustus founded a thriving city here in 15 BC.

You'll visit the renowned Porta Nigra, an ancient Roman fortress gate, and the pedestrian-only Market Square, one of the most magnificent squares in all of Germany. Here you can admire the central fountain built in 1595. You can take some free time on your own here at the market, or view the massive basilica, built by Constantine in AD 310.

Set your own agenda this afternoon. You can use our shuttle service to revisit Trier and then set out to explore it on your own. You may want to visit the Frankenturm (Tower of Franko), built in the twelfth century. This “tower” is typical of the fortified stone houses built by wealthy merchants during the Romanesque period. Named for its 14th-century resident, Franko von Senheim, the tower contains the medieval family's living quarters.

Before dinner on board, join an informative discussion about the European Union.

Please note:It is not always possible to dock in Trier, so we sometimes dock in Riol or Schweich. If that happens, you will be transferred to Trier by bus and all program features will remain as scheduled.

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Enjoy an informational walk in Zell—in the heart of one of the biggest wine-producing regions of Germany. Founded by the Romans in the first century, Zell is well-known for its vintages, which purportedly date to 2000 years ago. Today called Zeller Schwarze Katz, or Zell’s Black Cat after the town’s most famous feline, images of this frisky creature are ubiquitous here, and you’re sure to spot them on street signs, in shop windows, and during a stroll by the center of town, where a basalt cat statue arches its tail in the same manner as the cat that’s on the label of every bottle of wine produced here.

Or, join our full-day optional tour to Luxembourg, the tiny nation whose territory comprises less than 1,000 square miles. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy located between Belgium, France, and Germany. Here, the everyday language is Letzebuergesch, which symbolizes the national identity of the people.

Ride first by motorcoach to see the Battle of the Bulge Cemetery. Luxembourg was occupied by German forces in May 1940, and its liberation (primarily by American troops) began in September 1944. The Battle of the Bulge began with Hitler’s desperate attack through the Ardennes to attempt to drive out the Allied forces. The resulting battle, called “the greatest American battle of the Second World War” by Winston Churchill, raged here from the 16th of December 1944 through the 28th of January 1945, during which period the American troops suffered tremendous losses.

In the city of Luxembourg, you’ll see the market square, the Palais of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and the cathedral. In addition to your tour, you’ll also enjoy lunch and some leisure time to explore on your own. Then you’ll transfer to the Mosel Valley and reboard your ship in the late afternoon. Once you embark ship in the evening, you’ll set sail for Bonn and have dinner onboard.

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Gather for a walking tour of the city. Founded by the Romans, Bonn was the provisional capital of West Germany from the years following World War II until Germany's reunification in 1990. Today, Bonn is home to numerous museums and gardens, and a large student population who live near the University of Bonn's campus. Reboard your ship in time for lunch. The rest of your afternoon is at leisure to explore Bonn on your own.

Or, you can join an optional excursion to Augustusburg Palace, located in Bruhl, a small town on the edge of the Naturpark Kottenforst-Ville Nature Reserve. You'll enjoy a guided tour of Schloss Augustusburg, a horseshoe-shaped palace widely considered to be a masterpiece of Rococo architecture. Built in the 18th century for Clemens August of Wittelsbach, the powerful Archbishop of Cologne, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was used by the German government until 1994 to receive special guests of state.

Please note: Schloss Augustusburg is closed on Mondays. Travelers visiting on Mondays will instead have the option to explore the Remagen Palace Museum.

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Following breakfast onboard, you'll join your Program Director for an included tour of Nijmegen, the Netherlands' oldest city. During this tour, you'll see the intertwining of past and present—evident in the city's combination of historic streetscapes and modern architecture. Located along the Dutch River Waal, Nijmegen is surrounded by a diverse natural setting of riverbank landscapes, woods, hills, moors, and bodies of water.

For the balance of the morning, you'll have free time to spend as you please. Perhaps you'll shop at Nijmegen's historic Grote Markt, or visit its Museum Het Valkhof—where ancient Roman finds and remains intermingle with contemporary artwork. After lunch onboard, you can relax or continue sightseeing at your own pace.

Or, you can join an optional tour to nearby Groesbeek for a visit to the Liberation Museum (Bevijdingsmuseum). Situated in the area where, in September 1944 the Allies launched "Operation Market Garden" in an attempt to cross the River Rhine into Germany. The museum vividly re-creates the occupation and liberation of wartime Holland through interactive displays.

Later, attend a briefing to prepare you for disembarkation a couple of days from now. You'll also receive a briefing on Bruges, Belgium, if you have chosen to extend your trip with our optional post-trip extension.

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This morning, you'll visit Kinderdijk to see the 19 famous windmills that were built along the river there in approximately 1740. Holland, of course, is known for its windmills, and nowhere will you find more than near this little village. These sturdy windmills have been well-preserved, and in 1997 they were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have time to stroll around the site and take pictures of these signature attractions of Holland, which are supported by Grand Circle Foundation, before you board ship and set sail for Willemstad.

Your afternoon is at leisure, or, if you choose this optional tour, you'll ride by motorcoach to see the Delta Works, a restoration project known worldwide for its hydro-engineering, begun after flooding had devastated Holland. Originally, the province was a collection of islands—easy prey to the sea. Now the islands are connected and protected by a series of dams, dikes, and bridges. The destructive tides that flooded the islands in 1953 and claimed the lives of 1,800 people are still remembered by the inhabitants of Zeeland. Since then, Dutch technology and the gigantic Delta Works have prevented a recurrence. This tour shows you several of the ingenious technical achievements designed over the past 35 years, and gives you an impressive idea of how the Dutch have claimed, reclaimed, and protected their homeland from the threat of the sea.

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Set off on a walking tour of this great city. You’ll explore Antwerp’s well-preserved Old Town, built around the Grote Markt (Town Square), and graced by the lovely old Town Hall and beautiful guild houses. Or, marvel at the elegant spires of the Cathedral of Our Lady, or stroll along the Meir, Antwerp’s main shopping street, lined with historic buildings.

Your afternoon is free to further discover the city on your own. You may want to visit the house of the great painter, Peter Paul Rubens. He purchased a 16th-century house off the Meir when he returned from Italy in 1608 and transformed it into one of the most elegant Renaissance-Baroque houses in the Low Countries. Today it is a museum housing many of Rubens’ finest works, as well as works by some of his contemporaries. Or you could visit the Steen, the small stone castle that stands at the entrance to the city. Begun as part of a 13th-century fortification, the castle has served as a prison and today houses the National Navigation Museum. Or explore the Jewish District, which has contributed to Antwerp’s rich heritage since before the 13th century.

Gather this evening for the Captain’s Farewell Drink and Dinner to toast a memorable River Cruise with your fellow travelers.

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Day 16

Antwerp • Return to U.S.

Meals included:B

Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Or travel to Bruges, Belgium to begin your optional extension.

Extensions

Join us for a trip extension to Bruges, Belgium, one of Western Europe’s great medieval cities. Originally a ninth-century fortress built to protect the Flemish coast from marauding Vikings, Bruges today retains its reputation as one of the best-preserved Old World cities on the continent. Its museums hold some of the oldest and finest collections you will find anywhere, and its narrow winding streets meander through the city beside a centuries-old canal system. It is often said that the best way to experience the charm and storied history of Bruges is on foot, as almost every street is lined with historic buildings.

Discover the beauty of Lucerne, Switzerland, set on the shore of Lake Lucerne with stunning views of the Alps. Spend four nights in this center of Swiss culture and wander the narrow cobblestone streets to admire the spires, turrets, covered bridges, and fountains for which the city is famous.

Optional Tours

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Delta Works

Day 4 $80 per person

If you choose the optional Delta Works tour, you'll ride by motorcoach to see a restoration project known worldwide for its hydro-engineering, begun after flooding had devastated Holland. Originally, the province was a collection of islands—easy prey to the sea. Now the islands are connected and protected by a series of dams, dikes, and bridges. The destructive tides that flooded the islands in 1953 and claimed the lives of 1,800 people are still remembered by the inhabitants of Zeeland. Since then, the gigantic Delta Works have prevented a recurrence. This tour shows you several of the ingenious technical achievements designed over the past 35 years, and gives you an impressive idea of how the Dutch have claimed, reclaimed, and protected their homeland from the threat of the sea. You'll rejoin the ship in Willemstad.

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Liberation Museum

Day 5 $60 per person

Head from Nijmegen, the Netherlands, to Groesbeek this morning for a visit to the Liberation Museum 1944-45 (Bevijdingsmuseum). Here history comes alive through captivating interactive and multi-sensory exhibits. Covering the period preceding World War II, the Netherlands’ occupation, and its rebuilding following liberation, this museum provides visitors with a vivid, educational, and uplifting experience.

hidden

Augustusburg Palace

Day 6 $60 per person

Join an optional excursion to Augustusburg Palace. Located in Brühl, a small town on the edge of the Naturpark Kottenforst-Ville Nature Reserve, you'll enjoy a guided tour of Schloss Augustusburg, a horseshoe-shaped palace widely considered to be a masterpiece of Rococo architecture. Built in the 18th century for Clemens August of Wittelsbach, the powerful Archbishop of Cologne, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was used by the German government until 1994 to receive special guests of state.

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Luxembourg

Day 10 $120 per person

Join our full-day optional tour to Luxembourg, the tiny nation whose territory comprises less than 1,000 square miles. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy located between Belgium, France, and Germany. Here, the everyday language is Letzebuergesch, which symbolizes the national identity of the people. In addition to a city tour and visit to the Battle of the Bulge Cemetery, you’ll also enjoy lunch and free time to explore on your own. German forces occupied Luxembourg in May 1940, and its liberation (primarily by American troops) began in September 1944. The Battle of the Bulge began with Hitler’s desperate attack through the Ardennes to attempt to drive out the Allied forces. The resulting battle, called “the greatest American battle of the Second World War” by Winston Churchill, raged here from the 16th of December 1944 through the 28th of January 1945. Though 200 men from the tenth British Corps were killed in this action, the U.S. (8,447 killed, 46,170 wounded, 20,905 missing or imprisoned) and Germans (10,749 killed, 34,439 wounded, 32,487 missing or imprisoned) suffered tremendous losses. In the city of Luxembourg itself, you’ll see the market square, the Palais of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and the cathedral.

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Marksburg Castle

Day 11 $85 per person

Join us on an optional excursion to one of the most beautiful castles standing on the hills that line the Rhine River, Marksburg Castle. The only 13th-century castle unchanged by war or reconstruction, it offers an unprecedented glimpse into the daily life of the time. Walking through the three towers and the connecting rooms, you will fully feel what it was like to live in a castle. You'll climb a stone staircase leading to the romantic bed chamber (the only room heated with a stove), see the great hall with its enormous fireplace (large enough to grill a steer whole), and take in a commanding vista from the east bank of the Rhine as you stand atop the towers. Then make a discovery of a different nature as you sample local beer before returning to Boppard.

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Alsatian Highlights

Day 13 $65 per person

Join us for an Alsatian Highlights excursion through the famous wine region of Alsace, where the culture is a delightful blend of French and German influences. Travel through the fertile Elsass region to the wooded foothills of the Vosges Mountains and drive parts of the Route du Vin, the Alsatian Wine Road, past rolling vineyards and flower-decked villages. Upon arrival in the quaint town of Riquewihr, your Program Director will take you on an info stroll to introduce you with the main points of interest. You'll then visit the Stork Park, where this lovely white bird is being re-populated into the local area. At one time, the bird was so plentiful in this region that it was considered the symbol of Alsace and was often mentioned in children’s stories. In 1900, thousands of storks could be spotted in Alsace during the warmer spring and summer months, but by the 1980s their local population had been reduced to fewer than ten. Their numbers are again increasing, and the Stork Park offers a safe refuge for this long-legged bird. On your route, you might even spot some of their nests, high atop a local home or a church roof.

Discover the beauty of Lucerne, Switzerland, set on the shore of Lake Lucerne with stunning views of the Alps. Spend four nights in this center of Swiss culture and wander the narrow cobblestone streets to admire the spires, turrets, covered bridges, and fountains for which the city is famous.

Join us for a trip extension to Bruges, Belgium, one of Western Europe’s great medieval cities. Originally a ninth-century fortress built to protect the Flemish coast from marauding Vikings, Bruges today retains its reputation as one of the best-preserved Old World cities on the continent. Its museums hold some of the oldest and finest collections you will find anywhere, and its narrow winding streets meander through the city beside a centuries-old canal system. It is often said that the best way to experience the charm and storied history of Bruges is on foot, as almost every street is lined with historic buildings.

Optional Tours

hidden

Alsatian Highlights

Day 4 $65 per person

Join us for an Alsatian Highlights excursion through the famous wine region of Alsace, where the culture is a delightful blend of French and German influences. Travel through the fertile Elsass region to the wooded foothills of the Vosges Mountains and drive parts of the Route du Vin, the Alsatian Wine Road, past rolling vineyards and flower-decked villages. Upon arrival in the quaint town of Riquewihr, your Program Director will take you on an info stroll to introduce you with the main points of interest. You'll then visit the Stork Park, where this lovely white bird is being re-populated into the local area. At one time, the bird was so plentiful in this region that it was considered the symbol of Alsace and was often mentioned in children’s stories. In 1900, thousands of storks could be spotted in Alsace during the warmer spring and summer months, but by the 1980s their local population had been reduced to fewer than ten. Their numbers are again increasing, and the Stork Park offers a safe refuge for this long-legged bird. On your route, you might even spot some of their nests, high atop a local home or a church roof.

hidden

Marksburg Castle

Day 7 $85 per person

Join us on an optional excursion to one of the most beautiful castles standing on the hills that line the Rhine River, Marksburg Castle. The only 13th-century castle unchanged by war or reconstruction, it offers an unprecedented glimpse into the daily life of the time. Walking through the three towers and the connecting rooms, you will fully feel what it was like to live in a castle. You'll climb a stone staircase leading to the romantic bed chamber (the only room heated with a stove), see the great hall with its enormous fireplace (large enough to grill a steer whole), and take in a commanding vista from the east bank of the Rhine as you stand atop the towers. Then make a discovery of a different nature as you sample local beer before returning to Boppard.

hidden

Luxembourg

Day 11 $120 per person

Join our full-day optional tour to Luxembourg, the tiny nation whose territory comprises less than 1,000 square miles. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy located between Belgium, France, and Germany. Here, the everyday language is Letzebuergesch, which symbolizes the national identity of the people. In addition to a city tour and visit to the Battle of the Bulge Cemetery, you’ll also enjoy lunch and free time to explore on your own. German forces occupied Luxembourg in May 1940, and its liberation (primarily by American troops) began in September 1944. The Battle of the Bulge began with Hitler’s desperate attack through the Ardennes to attempt to drive out the Allied forces. The resulting battle, called “the greatest American battle of the Second World War” by Winston Churchill, raged here from the 16th of December 1944 through the 28th of January 1945. Though 200 men from the tenth British Corps were killed in this action, the U.S. (8,447 killed, 46,170 wounded, 20,905 missing or imprisoned) and Germans (10,749 killed, 34,439 wounded, 32,487 missing or imprisoned) suffered tremendous losses. In the city of Luxembourg itself, you’ll see the market square, the Palais of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and the cathedral.

hidden

Augustusburg Palace

Day 12 $60 per person

Join an optional excursion to Augustusburg Palace. Located in Brühl, a small town on the edge of the Naturpark Kottenforst-Ville Nature Reserve, you'll enjoy a guided tour of Schloss Augustusburg, a horseshoe-shaped palace widely considered to be a masterpiece of Rococo architecture. Built in the 18th century for Clemens August of Wittelsbach, the powerful Archbishop of Cologne, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was used by the German government until 1994 to receive special guests of state.

hidden

Liberation Museum

Day 13 $60 per person

Head from Nijmegen, the Netherlands, to Groesbeek this morning for a visit to the Liberation Museum 1944-45 (Bevijdingsmuseum). Here history comes alive through captivating interactive and multi-sensory exhibits. Covering the period preceding World War II, the Netherlands’ occupation, and its rebuilding following liberation, this museum provides visitors with a vivid, educational, and uplifting experience.

hidden

Delta Works

Day 14 $80 per person

If you choose the optional Delta Works tour, you'll ride by motorcoach to see a restoration project known worldwide for its hydro-engineering, begun after flooding had devastated Holland. Originally, the province was a collection of islands—easy prey to the sea. Now the islands are connected and protected by a series of dams, dikes, and bridges. The destructive tides that flooded the islands in 1953 and claimed the lives of 1,800 people are still remembered by the inhabitants of Zeeland. Since then, the gigantic Delta Works have prevented a recurrence. This tour shows you several of the ingenious technical achievements designed over the past 35 years, and gives you an impressive idea of how the Dutch have claimed, reclaimed, and protected their homeland from the threat of the sea. You'll rejoin the ship in Willemstad.

Traveler Reviews

There's no better way to learn what a trip is like than from the firsthand experiences of your fellow travelers, and our Traveler Reviews are the real deal—unbiased and unedited—giving you an honest appraisal of the experiences that await you on this trip.

Please note: If you have taken this trip, please log into your My Account & return to this page. You will be prompted to post your review. Reviews are limited to 10,000 characters. Due to our moderation process, please allow up to 72 hours for your review to appear.

Striving for Excellence

Our #1 commitment is delivering the best travel experience at the best value, so we take feedback from our travelers seriously as we strive to improve what we do. And one of the best ways for us to measure how travelers have rated our trips—including their experiences and the value we offer—is from our post-trip surveys, sent in by travelers.

Ratings based on percentage of travelers who rated these features "Excellent".

Ship Excellence

87%

Program Director Excellence

89%

Overall Trip Excellence

79%

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Questions and Answers

Want to know more about one of our vacations? Now, when you post a question, travelers who have been on that trip can provide you with an honest, unbiased answer based on their experience—providing you with a true insider’s perspective.

Weather & Regional

Before you travel, we encourage you to learn about the region of the world you'll discover on this trip. From weather and currency information to details on population, geography, and local history, you'll find a comprehensive introduction to your destinations below.

Visit our “What to Know” page to find information about the level of activity to expect, vaccination information resources, and visa requirements specific to this vacation.

The northern part of Belgium is low-lying, with a climate almost identical to that of the Netherlands, its adjoining neighbor. As in most areas of northwest Europe, the weather here is frequently rainy and can be very changeable from day to day all through the year. During spring, a fine, warm spell may last for weeks—or a stretch of cool, unsettled weather may prevail. Showers are common—Bruges, in particular, gets a lot of rain—but the sprinkles rarely turn into heavy downpours. Daytime temperatures are generally mild, averaging in the upper 50s and low 60s, but weather shifts do occur on a regular basis. In summer, fine warm periods may last for weeks on occasions; but then again, the weather could also be cool and unsettled. By autumn, overcast skies occur more frequently, and the overall weather pattern consists of longer, heavier, rains and colder temperatures.

Jan

Avg. High43

Avg. Low35

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.8

Feb

Avg. High46

Avg. Low36

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.6

Mar

Avg. High52

Avg. Low39

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.7

Apr

Avg. High58

Avg. Low43

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.4

May

Avg. High66

Avg. Low49

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.1

June

Avg. High70

Avg. Low54

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.7

July

Avg. High74

Avg. Low58

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.2

Aug

Avg. High74

Avg. Low57

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.7

Sept

Avg. High67

Avg. Low53

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.6

Oct

Avg. High59

Avg. Low47

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.5

Nov

Avg. High49

Avg. Low40

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.7

Dec

Avg. High43

Avg. Low36

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3

Area: 11,780 square miles

Capital: Brussels

Languages: Dutch, French, and German are the official languages.

Location: Belguim is bordered by France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

Geography: Belgium is located on the western edge of continental Europe. It has about 40 miles of seacoast on the North Sea, at the Dover Strait. France is south of Belgium, the Netherlands is directly north. The country measures only 150 miles across from the sea to the Ardennes.

Population (2005 estimate): 10,392,226

Religion: Roman Catholic 75%

Time zone: Belgium is on Central European Time, six hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in New York, it is noon in Brussels. Daylight Saving Time begins the last Sunday in March and ends the last Sunday in October.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The euro is the official currency of Belgium. Euro banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

As in most areas of northwest Europe, the weather here is frequently rainy and varies day to day throughout the year. During spring, a fine warm spell may last for weeks—or a stretch of cool, unsettled weather may prevail. Showers are common but sprinkles rarely turn heavy. Daytime temperatures are generally mild. In summer, warm periods may last for weeks. By autumn, overcast skies occur more frequently, leading to heavier rains and colder temperatures.

Jan

Avg. High44

Avg. Low38

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.7

Feb

Avg. High42

Avg. Low37

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.9

Mar

Avg. High49

Avg. Low42

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.6

Apr

Avg. High52

Avg. Low44

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2

May

Avg. High60

Avg. Low51

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.3

June

Avg. High63

Avg. Low52

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.8

July

Avg. High68

Avg. Low54

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.9

Aug

Avg. High68

Avg. Low54

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.7

Sept

Avg. High63

Avg. Low50

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.5

Oct

Avg. High56

Avg. Low49

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.8

Nov

Avg. High49

Avg. Low42

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.2

Dec

Avg. High45

Avg. Low34

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.3

Area: 116,305 square miles

Capital: Amsterdam

Languages: Dutch is the official language; English and German are also spoken.

Location: The Netherlands is bordered by Belgium, Germany, and the North Sea.

Geography: Situated on the coast of the North Sea, the Netherlands borders Germany to the east and Belgium to the south.

Population (2007 estimate): 16,570,613

Religion: Roman Catholic 34%, Protestant 25%, Muslim 3%, other 2%

Time zone: Netherlands is on Central European Time, six hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in New York, it is noon in Amsterdam.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The euro is the official currency of the Netherlands. Euro banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

While the German climate varies throughout the country and from year to year, the weather is mostly temperate. Temperatures generally become more extreme as you head from west to east. Munich and Bavaria experience cold winters with heavy snowfall. In the fall and spring, warm winds cause dramatic weather changes. Dresden has warm summers with frequent rainfall followed by cold winters. In Berlin and Hamburg summers are pleasant. Rainfall is common, but does not last long.

Jan

Avg. High36

Avg. Low29

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.7

Feb

Avg. High37

Avg. Low28

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.2

Mar

Avg. High47

Avg. Low35

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.5

Apr

Avg. High55

Avg. Low40

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.4

May

Avg. High65

Avg. Low48

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.7

June

Avg. High70

Avg. Low54

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.8

July

Avg. High74

Avg. Low57

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2

Aug

Avg. High73

Avg. Low57

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.8

Sept

Avg. High66

Avg. Low52

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.8

Oct

Avg. High57

Avg. Low45

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.2

Nov

Avg. High45

Avg. Low37

Avg. Inches of Precipitation1.8

Dec

Avg. High38

Avg. Low32

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.2

Area: 137,846 square miles

Capital: Berlin

Languages: German is the official language; Turkish is also spoken in Berlin.

Location: Germany is bordered by Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, the North Sea, and the Baltic Sea.

Geography: Located in central Europe, Germany is bordered on the west by the Benelux countries and France, and on the east by Poland and the Czech Republic. Switzerland and Austria are to the south. Germany’s northern coastline is met by the North Sea and the Baltic.

Time zone: Germany is on Central European Time, six hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in New York, it is noon in Berlin. Daylight Saving Time begins the last Sunday in March and ends the last Sunday in October.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The Euro is the official currency of Germany. Banknotes and coin denominations are as follows:

Weather within France varies considerably depending on location. The northern and western parts of the country are subject to weather changes brought in from the Atlantic Ocean and feature mostly mild winters. The south offers a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and easy winters, while the central section’s climate is continental. In the east, the Vosges Mountains accentuate the area’s continental climate, making springs warmer and summers hotter. Showers and drizzle frequently alternate with bright skies. Early autumn can still be mild, but by November, the weather is usually colder.

Geography: France is a large country, two and a half times as big as Great Britain, extending for some 600 miles from north to south and from east to west. Except for extreme northern France, which is part of the Flanders plain, the country may be described as four river basins and a plateau. Three of the streams flow west—the Seine into the English Channel, the Loire into the Atlantic, and the Garonne into the Bay of Biscay. The Rhône flows south into the Mediterranean. For about 100 miles, the Rhine is France's eastern border. In the Alps, near the Italian and Swiss borders, is Europe's highest point—Mont Blanc, at 15,781 feet.

Time zone: France is on Central European Time, six hours head of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in New York, it is noon in Paris. Daylight Saving Time begins the last Sunday in March and ends the last Sunday in October.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The euro is the official currency of France. Euro banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

Weather in Switzerland varies with location. Basel and Lucerne are located on the central Swiss plateau. Summers here can be quite warm and damp, as this season is Switzerland’s wettest period of the year. Much of the summer rainfall is heavy and can be accompanied by severe thunderstorms. Spring and fall are drier and cooler. In Zurich, winters are warm and sunny and winters are cold with temperatures dropping as you approach the eastern mountains. Like other parts of west-central Europe, Switzerland is open to climatic influences from the Atlantic and from Eastern Europe.

Jan

Avg. High38

Avg. Low26

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.5

Feb

Avg. High42

Avg. Low28

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.5

Mar

Avg. High51

Avg. Low34

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.8

Apr

Avg. High57

Avg. Low38

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.6

May

Avg. High66

Avg. Low47

Avg. Inches of Precipitation4.5

June

Avg. High72

Avg. Low53

Avg. Inches of Precipitation5.2

July

Avg. High75

Avg. Low56

Avg. Inches of Precipitation5.6

Aug

Avg. High74

Avg. Low56

Avg. Inches of Precipitation5.5

Sept

Avg. High66

Avg. Low49

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.9

Oct

Avg. High57

Avg. Low43

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.1

Nov

Avg. High45

Avg. Low33

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.3

Dec

Avg. High38

Avg. Low28

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.3

Area: 15,952 square miles

Capital: Bern

Languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansch are the official languages; English is also spoken.

Geography: Switzerland, in central Europe, is the land of the Alps; about the size of New Jersey.

Population (2007 estimate): 7,554,661

Religion: Roman Catholic (49%), Protestant (48%)

Time zone: Switzerland is on Central European Time, six hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in New York, it is noon in Bern. Daylight Saving Time begins the last Sunday in March and ends the last Sunday in October.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The Swiss franc (Fr.) is the official currency of Switzerland. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

What to Know

For more detailed information about this trip, download our Travel Handbook below. This document covers a wide range of information on specific areas of your trip, from passport, visa, and medical requirements; to the currencies of the countries you’ll visit and the types of electrical outlets you’ll encounter. This handbook is written expressly for this itinerary. For your convenience, we've highlighted our travelers' most common areas of interest on this page.

What to Expect

Pacing

Physical requirements

Travelers using walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids must travel with a companion who can assist them throughout the trip.

You must be able to walk 2 miles unassisted and participate in 2-3 hours of physical activities each day, including stairs

Climate

Daytime temperatures range from 45-74°F during cruising season

June-August are the warmest months

March and November weather can be unpredictable and change quickly within a short period of time

Terrain

Travel over uneven walking surfaces, including unpaved paths, hills, stairs, and cobblestones, which can be slick in wet or colder conditions

Transportation

Travel by 47-passenger coach, street car, small boat, tram, and 140-passenger river ship

River Cruising

Throughout the River Cruise season, weather conditions and tides affect European river depths; water levels may require adjustments to your itinerary

Cuisine

Meals will be a mix of local specialties and familiar American standards

Meals onboard feature a variety of entrée options, including vegetarian

Travel Documents

Passport

Your passport should meet these requirements for this itinerary

It should be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

It should have the recommended number of blank pages (refer to the handbook for details).

The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable.

Visas

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for this trip.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not travel with a U.S. passport, or will be traveling independently before/after this trip, then your entry requirements may be different. Please check with the appropriate embassy or a visa servicing company. To contact our recommended visa servicing company, PVS International, call toll-free at 1-800-556-9990.

Vaccinations Information

For a detailed and up-to-date list of vaccinations that are recommended for this trip, please visit the CDC’s “Traveler’s Health” website. You can also refer to the handbook for details.

Before Your Trip

Before you leave on your vacation, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

What to Bring

In an effort to help you bring less, we have included checklists within the handbook, which have been compiled from suggestions by Program Directors and former travelers. The lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You might also want to refer to the climate charts in the handbook or online weather forecasts before you pack. Refer to the handbook for details.

Insider Tips

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Program Directors' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Unique Food & Drink

I recommend the butcher shop in the Oberstrasse in Boppard, Germany. It's located just off the market square, opposite the Christmas store. The shop has a street-facing window, which sells delicious hot foods like sausages in bread rolls (typical German fast food) for around three Euros (about U.S. $3.75). The indoor space, which is frequented mostly by locals, sells regular butcher’s items.

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Program Directors' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Local Culture & Etiquette

When trying to get the attention of a waiter in a restaurant in Germany, never wave with a crooked finger like many Americans do. This is considered very impolite. In German folklore, it is the way the witch lures Hänsel and Gretel to her gingerbread house. Just raise your hand or show your wallet.

Iconic Items & Handcrafts

In the Mosel region in Germany, every village has its own festival. At these festivals, when you purchase a glass of wine, you pay for the wine and you pay a fee for the wine glass that is served in. You get this fee back after you return the glass, but after a few glasses of wine, many people forget to return their wine glasses and therefore do not receive their refund. A solution is to bring your own wine glass! You can buy small leather pouches which fit exactly one glass. It has a strap attached to it so that you can carry it around your neck.

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Program Directors' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Unique Food & Drink

In Grote Markt, or the Great Market, in Nijmegen (35-36 6511 KB), there's a great fish stall all the way at the end, opposite HEMA. Here they sell the typical Dutch maatjes (raw haring). You eat it in a special way: Turn your head up so that your face is facing the sky, hold the haring by the tail, and take a bite. Watch the locals to see how they do it!

Program Directors

Resident Experts

Accommodations

Main Trip

Private Grand Circle River Ship

All of our Rhine, Main & Danube river ships madeCondé Nast Traveler’s“Top 40 River Cruise Ships in the World” 2014 Readers’ Poll.

Custom-built for Grand Circle with our travelers’ needs in mind, your private river ship has a passenger capacity of 140-164, with all outside cabins. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in select common areas, but connectivity is limited in certain locations. Your cabin features a flat-screen TV, direct-dial telephone, individual heating and air-conditioning controls, twin beds that convert to sofas, and private bath with shower and hair dryer.

M/S River Harmony

The M/S River Harmony was ranked #26 in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 40 River Cruise Ships in the World” 2014 Readers’ Poll

The M/S River Harmony was launched in 1999. This ship has a capacity of 140 passengers in 70 cabins, all with outside views. Ship amenities include an elevator, restaurant, bar and lounge, library, Sun Deck, fitness center, and sauna. Your ship has an international crew of 34 and three English-speaking Program Directors.

M/S River Melody

The M/S River Melody was ranked #13 in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 40 River Cruise Ships in the World” 2014 Readers’ Poll

The M/S River Melody was launched in 1999. This ship has a capacity of 140 passengers in 70 cabins, all with outside views. Ship amenities include an elevator, restaurant, bar and lounge, library, Sun Deck, fitness center, and sauna. Your ship has an international crew of 34 and three English-speaking Program Directors.

M/S River Rhapsody

The M/S River Rhapsody was ranked #19 in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 40 River Cruise Ships in the World” 2014 Readers’ Poll

The M/S River Rhapsody was launched in 1999. This ship has a capacity of 140 passengers in 70 cabins, all with outside views. Ship amenities include an elevator, restaurant, bar and lounge, library, Sun Deck, fitness center, and sauna. Your ship has an international crew of 34 and three English-speaking Program Directors.

Extensions

Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges

A dependable, well-maintained hotel with comfortable accommodations and public areas with a full range of services, amenities, and facilities.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

Situated in the Old Town of Bruges, the First-Class Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges allows you to enjoy the historic charm of Belgium’s best-preserved medieval city. Amenities include 24-hour concierge service, a library, wellness center with sauna and steam room, and a cozy bar and lounge. The hotel’s 118 rooms each offer air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a spacious private bath with hair dryer.

Ameron Hotel Flora

Accommodations are well kept and functional, some with charming or intimate features. Many with in-room amenities designed for business travelers. Usually public rooms and facilities are limited.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

Renovated in 2008, this Superior, Tourist-Class hotel is close to Lake Lucerne and just a few minutes’ walk from the nearest train station. Amenities include a restaurant and wireless Internet access in all public areas. Your air-conditioned room features direct-dial telephone, cable/satellite TV, minibar, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

Please Note: Select departures feature similar accommodations.

Flight Information

Flight Options to Personalize Your Trip

You can choose to stay longer before or after your trip on your own, or combine two vacations to maximize your value.

Extend your vacation and lower your per day cost with our optional pre- and post-trip excursions

Choose our standard air routing, or work with us to select the airline and routing you prefer

Make your own international flight arrangements directly with the airline, applying frequent flyer miles if available

International airport transfers to and from your ship or hotel, including meet and greet service, are available for purchase

Stay overnight in a connecting city before or after your trip

Request to arrive a few days early to get a fresh start on your vacation

Choose to "break away" before or after your trip, spending additional days or weeks on your own

The air options listed above may involve additional airfare costs based on your specific choices.

Or, when you make your reservation, you can choose our standard air routing, for which approximate travel times are shown below.

Standard Air Routing

w/out standard air$2395

w/ standard air$3445

Approximate travel times

Gateway

Travel Time*

Newark, Washington, DC (Dulles)

8 hrs

Atlanta, Chicago

9 hrs

Boston, New York (JFK)

10 hrs

Baltimore

11 hrs

Miami, Minneapolis, Orlando, Tampa

12 hrs

Dallas, Denver, Portland, OR

13 hrs

Phoenix, San Francisco

14 hrs

Los Angeles

15 hrs

*These are the carriers we are planning to use for your transpacific flight.

The following information is your approximate flight time to Brussels, Belgium. Routing is based on availability and subject to change. You will receive your final air itinerary approximately 14 days prior to departure.

Gateway

Travel Time*

Boston

10 hrs

Newark

11 hrs

Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, DC (Dulles)

12 hrs

Denver, Miami, Minneapolis

13 hrs

Baltimore, Los Angeles, New York (JFK), San Francisco

14 hrs

Dallas, Orlando, Tampa

15 hrs

Portland, OR

16 hrs

Phoenix

17 hrs

*Estimated total time including connections and layovers. Actual travel time may vary.

The following information is your approximate flight time to Basel, Switzerland. Routing is based on availability and subject to change. You will receive your final air itinerary approximately 14 days prior to departure.

Photos From Our Travelers

On location in Europe

Here’s how Grand Circle travelers have captured moments of discovery, beauty, friendship, and fun on previous departures of our Romance of the Rhine & Mosel vacation. We hope these will evoke special travel memories and inspire you to submit your own favorite Grand Circle Travel trip photos.

“Our group of 14 lifelong friends celebrated 60 years of friendship on this river cruise. We stopped to enjoy the 19 windmills in Kinderdijk.” Photo by Natale Russo, 2-time traveler from Martinez, California.

All hats on deck … Caroline Blomeyer, 9-time traveler from Bella Vista, Arizona, submitted this scene of friends relaxing as their ship cruised past the fertile farmlands along the banks of the Mosel.

The Rhine-Palatinate region of Germany is famous for its wines. Constance Moore, 6-time traveler of San Diego, California, captured a picture-perfect afternoon—friends savoring the local vintages in a small village.

Who said chivalry was dead? Barbara Leavitt, 10-time traveler from Scituate, Massachusetts, and Rita Caruso, 9-time traveler from Ogunquit, Maine, are escorted by their new friend in Bernkastel, Germany.

Aboard the M/S Debussy, Angela Hernandez, 16-time traveler from Pasadena, California, painted watercolors of the houses and vineyards on the river’s shores. Norma Pennington, 11-time traveler from Louisville, Kentucky, captured the moment right after the painting was auctioned off for $100 as donation to the Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina.

How to submit your photos:

Please be sure to include the name of your OAT adventure, along with the travel dates. Tell us where you took the photo and, if you’d like, tell us why. And don’t forget to include your name and contact information.

Please note: By submitting a photo, you (i) represent and warrant that the photo is your original work created solely by yourself and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any party; (ii) grant to Grand Circle LLC and its affiliates a worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, transferable, irrevocable, non-exclusive and fully sublicensable right and license to use, in any and all related media whether now known or hereafter devised, in perpetuity, anywhere in the world, with the right to make any and all commercial or other uses thereof, including without limitation, reproducing, editing, modifying, adapting, publishing, displaying publicly, creating derivative works from, incorporating into other works or modifying the photo and (iii) hereby release and discharge Grand Circle LLC and its affiliates, officers and employees from and against any and all claims, liabilities, costs, damages and expenses of any kind arising out of or relating to the use by Grand Circle LLC of any photo submitted.

The Battle to Free Nijmegen

How the Netherlands’ oldest city helped turn the tide of war

by Martin Kratkoczky, Operations Manager, Grand Circle Cruise Line

When the Germans invaded the Netherlands in 1940, riverside Nijmegen was the first city to fall.

Visitors to Nijmegen, which lays claim to be the Netherlands’ oldest city, may not be able to recognize the horrors of war that the city once endured—and from which it has since recovered—at first glance. But if one looks closely at the center brickwork on the tower of 800-year-old Saint Stephen’s Church, it will be clear that the structure is younger than its historic age. Though lovingly restored, this detail of Saint Stephen’s tells the tale of World War II and its aftermath.

When the Germans invaded the Netherlands in 1940, riverside Nijmegen was the first city to fall. The Germans fortified the region with anti-tank guns, anti-aircraft guns, and 300 troops armed with artillery. But the people of the city found themselves under siege not only from the occupiers on the ground, but by their intended defenders from the air, when Allied planes—thinking they were above a German city—errantly bombed Nijmegen in 1944. The city was devastated, with 750 civilians lost, and countless buildings like Saint Stephen’s destroyed.

Later that same year, the Allies launched Operation Market Garden, an attempt to protect the series of bridges over the Maas, Waal, and Rhine rivers, which would allow British troops access to forces already in the Netherlands and close the noose around the Nazis. Realizing this, the Germans tried to blow up these bridges, but that plan was thwarted by the Dutch resistance—namely, Dutch hero Jan van Hoof, who is said to have snipped the wires to the explosives.

The efforts of van Hoof and other brave Allies helped turn the tide of the war. And in 1944, the successful liberation of Nijmegen by British and American forces allowed the Allies a foothold for further progress across the Rhine.

Nijmegen, like many European cities, threw itself into rebuilding, often using original plans and traditional materials to restore the flavor of centuries past, while erasing most evidence of its recent suffering. Today, it is better known as the site of the International Four Day March, a tradition started in 1909, in which 47,000 participants (now representing more than 60 nations) walk 30-50 kilometers a day for four days in a row and are rewarded at the end with gladiolas from spectators and a royal medal. It is perhaps fitting that the city’s greatest tradition celebrates one of its proven virtues: endurance.

Romance of the Rhine & Mosel

Call us to reserve your next vacation 1-800-221-2610

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Private Grand Circle River Ship

All of our Rhine, Main & Danube river ships madeCondé Nast Traveler’s“Top 40 River Cruise Ships in the World” 2014 Readers’ Poll.

Custom-built for Grand Circle with our travelers’ needs in mind, your private river ship has a passenger capacity of 140-164, with all outside cabins. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in select common areas, but connectivity is limited in certain locations. Your cabin features a flat-screen TV, direct-dial telephone, individual heating and air-conditioning controls, twin beds that convert to sofas, and private bath with shower and hair dryer.

The M/S River Harmony was ranked #26 in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 40 River Cruise Ships in the World” 2014 Readers’ Poll

The M/S River Harmony was launched in 1999. This ship has a capacity of 140 passengers in 70 cabins, all with outside views. Ship amenities include an elevator, restaurant, bar and lounge, library, Sun Deck, fitness center, and sauna. Your ship has an international crew of 34 and three English-speaking Program Directors.

The M/S River Melody was ranked #13 in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 40 River Cruise Ships in the World” 2014 Readers’ Poll

The M/S River Melody was launched in 1999. This ship has a capacity of 140 passengers in 70 cabins, all with outside views. Ship amenities include an elevator, restaurant, bar and lounge, library, Sun Deck, fitness center, and sauna. Your ship has an international crew of 34 and three English-speaking Program Directors.

The M/S River Rhapsody was ranked #19 in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 40 River Cruise Ships in the World” 2014 Readers’ Poll

The M/S River Rhapsody was launched in 1999. This ship has a capacity of 140 passengers in 70 cabins, all with outside views. Ship amenities include an elevator, restaurant, bar and lounge, library, Sun Deck, fitness center, and sauna. Your ship has an international crew of 34 and three English-speaking Program Directors.

Situated in the Old Town of Bruges, the First-Class Grand Hotel Casselbergh Bruges allows you to enjoy the historic charm of Belgium’s best-preserved medieval city. Amenities include 24-hour concierge service, a library, wellness center with sauna and steam room, and a cozy bar and lounge. The hotel’s 118 rooms each offer air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a spacious private bath with hair dryer.

Renovated in 2008, this Superior, Tourist-Class hotel is close to Lake Lucerne and just a few minutes’ walk from the nearest train station. Amenities include a restaurant and wireless Internet access in all public areas. Your air-conditioned room features direct-dial telephone, cable/satellite TV, minibar, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

If you choose the optional Delta Works tour, you'll ride by motorcoach to see a restoration project known worldwide for its hydro-engineering, begun after flooding had devastated Holland. Originally, the province was a collection of islands—easy prey to the sea. Now the islands are connected and protected by a series of dams, dikes, and bridges. The destructive tides that flooded the islands in 1953 and claimed the lives of 1,800 people are still remembered by the inhabitants of Zeeland. Since then, the gigantic Delta Works have prevented a recurrence. This tour shows you several of the ingenious technical achievements designed over the past 35 years, and gives you an impressive idea of how the Dutch have claimed, reclaimed, and protected their homeland from the threat of the sea. You'll rejoin the ship in Willemstad.

Liberation Museum - $60/person

Head from Nijmegen, the Netherlands, to Groesbeek this morning for a visit to the Liberation Museum 1944-45 (Bevijdingsmuseum). Here history comes alive through captivating interactive and multi-sensory exhibits. Covering the period preceding World War II, the Netherlands’ occupation, and its rebuilding following liberation, this museum provides visitors with a vivid, educational, and uplifting experience.

Augustusburg Palace - $60/person

Join an optional excursion to Augustusburg Palace. Located in Brühl, a small town on the edge of the Naturpark Kottenforst-Ville Nature Reserve, you'll enjoy a guided tour of Schloss Augustusburg, a horseshoe-shaped palace widely considered to be a masterpiece of Rococo architecture. Built in the 18th century for Clemens August of Wittelsbach, the powerful Archbishop of Cologne, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was used by the German government until 1994 to receive special guests of state.

Luxembourg - $120/person

Join our full-day optional tour to Luxembourg, the tiny nation whose territory comprises less than 1,000 square miles. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy located between Belgium, France, and Germany. Here, the everyday language is Letzebuergesch, which symbolizes the national identity of the people. In addition to a city tour and visit to the Battle of the Bulge Cemetery, you’ll also enjoy lunch and free time to explore on your own. German forces occupied Luxembourg in May 1940, and its liberation (primarily by American troops) began in September 1944. The Battle of the Bulge began with Hitler’s desperate attack through the Ardennes to attempt to drive out the Allied forces. The resulting battle, called “the greatest American battle of the Second World War” by Winston Churchill, raged here from the 16th of December 1944 through the 28th of January 1945. Though 200 men from the tenth British Corps were killed in this action, the U.S. (8,447 killed, 46,170 wounded, 20,905 missing or imprisoned) and Germans (10,749 killed, 34,439 wounded, 32,487 missing or imprisoned) suffered tremendous losses. In the city of Luxembourg itself, you’ll see the market square, the Palais of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and the cathedral.

Marksburg Castle - $85/person

Join us on an optional excursion to one of the most beautiful castles standing on the hills that line the Rhine River, Marksburg Castle. The only 13th-century castle unchanged by war or reconstruction, it offers an unprecedented glimpse into the daily life of the time. Walking through the three towers and the connecting rooms, you will fully feel what it was like to live in a castle. You'll climb a stone staircase leading to the romantic bed chamber (the only room heated with a stove), see the great hall with its enormous fireplace (large enough to grill a steer whole), and take in a commanding vista from the east bank of the Rhine as you stand atop the towers. Then make a discovery of a different nature as you sample local beer before returning to Boppard.

Alsatian Highlights - $65/person

Join us for an Alsatian Highlights excursion through the famous wine region of Alsace, where the culture is a delightful blend of French and German influences. Travel through the fertile Elsass region to the wooded foothills of the Vosges Mountains and drive parts of the Route du Vin, the Alsatian Wine Road, past rolling vineyards and flower-decked villages. Upon arrival in the quaint town of Riquewihr, your Program Director will take you on an info stroll to introduce you with the main points of interest. You'll then visit the Stork Park, where this lovely white bird is being re-populated into the local area. At one time, the bird was so plentiful in this region that it was considered the symbol of Alsace and was often mentioned in children’s stories. In 1900, thousands of storks could be spotted in Alsace during the warmer spring and summer months, but by the 1980s their local population had been reduced to fewer than ten. Their numbers are again increasing, and the Stork Park offers a safe refuge for this long-legged bird. On your route, you might even spot some of their nests, high atop a local home or a church roof.

Alsatian Highlights - $65/person

Join us for an Alsatian Highlights excursion through the famous wine region of Alsace, where the culture is a delightful blend of French and German influences. Travel through the fertile Elsass region to the wooded foothills of the Vosges Mountains and drive parts of the Route du Vin, the Alsatian Wine Road, past rolling vineyards and flower-decked villages. Upon arrival in the quaint town of Riquewihr, your Program Director will take you on an info stroll to introduce you with the main points of interest. You'll then visit the Stork Park, where this lovely white bird is being re-populated into the local area. At one time, the bird was so plentiful in this region that it was considered the symbol of Alsace and was often mentioned in children’s stories. In 1900, thousands of storks could be spotted in Alsace during the warmer spring and summer months, but by the 1980s their local population had been reduced to fewer than ten. Their numbers are again increasing, and the Stork Park offers a safe refuge for this long-legged bird. On your route, you might even spot some of their nests, high atop a local home or a church roof.

Marksburg Castle - $85/person

Join us on an optional excursion to one of the most beautiful castles standing on the hills that line the Rhine River, Marksburg Castle. The only 13th-century castle unchanged by war or reconstruction, it offers an unprecedented glimpse into the daily life of the time. Walking through the three towers and the connecting rooms, you will fully feel what it was like to live in a castle. You'll climb a stone staircase leading to the romantic bed chamber (the only room heated with a stove), see the great hall with its enormous fireplace (large enough to grill a steer whole), and take in a commanding vista from the east bank of the Rhine as you stand atop the towers. Then make a discovery of a different nature as you sample local beer before returning to Boppard.

Luxembourg - $120/person

Join our full-day optional tour to Luxembourg, the tiny nation whose territory comprises less than 1,000 square miles. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy located between Belgium, France, and Germany. Here, the everyday language is Letzebuergesch, which symbolizes the national identity of the people. In addition to a city tour and visit to the Battle of the Bulge Cemetery, you’ll also enjoy lunch and free time to explore on your own. German forces occupied Luxembourg in May 1940, and its liberation (primarily by American troops) began in September 1944. The Battle of the Bulge began with Hitler’s desperate attack through the Ardennes to attempt to drive out the Allied forces. The resulting battle, called “the greatest American battle of the Second World War” by Winston Churchill, raged here from the 16th of December 1944 through the 28th of January 1945. Though 200 men from the tenth British Corps were killed in this action, the U.S. (8,447 killed, 46,170 wounded, 20,905 missing or imprisoned) and Germans (10,749 killed, 34,439 wounded, 32,487 missing or imprisoned) suffered tremendous losses. In the city of Luxembourg itself, you’ll see the market square, the Palais of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and the cathedral.

Augustusburg Palace - $60/person

Join an optional excursion to Augustusburg Palace. Located in Brühl, a small town on the edge of the Naturpark Kottenforst-Ville Nature Reserve, you'll enjoy a guided tour of Schloss Augustusburg, a horseshoe-shaped palace widely considered to be a masterpiece of Rococo architecture. Built in the 18th century for Clemens August of Wittelsbach, the powerful Archbishop of Cologne, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was used by the German government until 1994 to receive special guests of state.

Liberation Museum - $60/person

Head from Nijmegen, the Netherlands, to Groesbeek this morning for a visit to the Liberation Museum 1944-45 (Bevijdingsmuseum). Here history comes alive through captivating interactive and multi-sensory exhibits. Covering the period preceding World War II, the Netherlands’ occupation, and its rebuilding following liberation, this museum provides visitors with a vivid, educational, and uplifting experience.

Delta Works - $80/person

If you choose the optional Delta Works tour, you'll ride by motorcoach to see a restoration project known worldwide for its hydro-engineering, begun after flooding had devastated Holland. Originally, the province was a collection of islands—easy prey to the sea. Now the islands are connected and protected by a series of dams, dikes, and bridges. The destructive tides that flooded the islands in 1953 and claimed the lives of 1,800 people are still remembered by the inhabitants of Zeeland. Since then, the gigantic Delta Works have prevented a recurrence. This tour shows you several of the ingenious technical achievements designed over the past 35 years, and gives you an impressive idea of how the Dutch have claimed, reclaimed, and protected their homeland from the threat of the sea. You'll rejoin the ship in Willemstad.

Roos Wilmer

94% of travelers rated Roos as "excellent"

"Roos always did a great job of explaining what to expect. She has a wonderful sense of humor and did an excellent job of keeping our trip running smoothly. She was one of the best Program Directors we have had. We hope to travel with her in the future."

Luane & Charles Henkle 8-time travelers from Fairview, Texas

Get to know Roos

Born

Venlo, the Netherlands

Resides

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Languages

English, Dutch, a little German

Hobbies & Interests

Traveling, skiing, scuba diving, ice skating, spending time with family and friends

With us since 2012

I was lucky as a child to grow up in a small village of Venlo. We had sheep as pets and built rafts to sail in the pond. On Sunday, my extended family would visit for a game of hide-and-seek. My sisters and I have been best friends ever since we were teenagers. My grandparents have lived in that village for generations, but now, my cousins and I are breaking this tradition and exploring the world.

I first studied Cultural Anthropology for one year at Radboud University Nijmegen, and later transferred to Stenden University in Leeuwarden where I received my bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management. I have always had a love for people, organizing, and traveling—such passions led me to guiding. I set up a small beach lodge in Ghana, which allowed me to experience a different culture. But I also discovered that I loved working where my roots were, so I returned to the Netherlands. One thing I love about my country is how accepting it is of those who are different.

Johannes Bauer

99% of travelers rated Johannes as "excellent"

"I cannot sing Johannes' praises enough. He was the best Program Director I've ever had the pleasure of traveling with. He took care of all the travelers well and did his job excellently. He not only explains the what—he also explains the why. He is a jewel!"

Margaret Hitchman 17-time traveler from Charleston, West Virginia

Get to know Johannes

Born

Augsburg, Germany

Resides

Augsburg, Germany

Languages

English, German, a little Dutch, some Japanese

Hobbies & Interests

Mountain hiking, reading

With us since 2006

Germany is not much different from the U.S. Growing up there was nice, as Germany is one of the wealthiest countries and there was neither war nor civil unrest. One difference is that I grew up when the Iron Curtain divided our country. I grew up in Western Germany and attended high school and university in my hometown of Augsburg in Bavaria, where I received my Master’s degree in modern history. Before I was a Program Director, I worked for my hometown's municipal archive and the Museum of Textile Industry, and I was a local guide there, too.

I wanted to do something different from being in a dusty office, and that's when I decided to join Grand Circle Cruise Line. My love of history, traveling, and cooking helps me connect with my travelers, and I always make sure my groups have opportunities to taste local foods.

I particularly like to share the way Germany openly discusses its past and the crimes committed by Germans, such as the war criminals of the Nuremberg Trials, whereas in many other countries, past crimes are sometimes ignored. Once, one of my travelers told me that her deceased husband, who was Jewish, would have easily come to Germany had he only known how open and honest Germans are when it comes to discussing the horrors of the Holocaust.

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Privately Owned Fleet

Our worldwide fleet of private river ships—many of which are award-winning—was custom-built especially to meet the needs of our travelers. Whether you’re in Europe or Russia, you’ll travel exclusively with other Americans—for the ultimate in camaraderie.

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Program Directors

No matter where in the world you venture with Grand Circle, you'll have one of our resident, expert Program Directors by your side, every step of the way. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching vacation.

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With FREE Single Supplements, we offer the best value for solo travelers in the industry, guaranteed. Plus, our expert, resident Program Directors, Roommate Matching Service, and online forums help you make personal connections. Watch our video to see why solo travel is better with Grand Circle.

Frequent Traveler Credits

Every time you travel with Grand Circle and OAT, you'll receive a Frequent Traveler Credit worth 5% of the advertised cost of your trip, applicable toward your next Grand Circle or OAT vacation you take within one year.

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At Grand Circle, we strongly believe that word of mouth is our best advertisement. And it works. Just ask the more than 500 Group Leaders who have chosen a Grand Circle trip for their travelers this year—and traveled FREE! Watch our video to learn how.

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Watch our video to learn about the benefits of our Travel Protection Plan. You can cancel your Grand Circle vacation at any time—up to the day of your departure, and for any reason—and retain the FULL value of your trip, including your deposit.

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Act now for terrific savings on last-minute departures, available only on our website. Our Last Minute Travel Deals are updated frequently, so be sure to check back often! Space is very limited—and at these prices, will sell out quickly—so sign in for exclusive access to our Last Minute Special Travel Deals

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Earn rewards up to a FREE TRIP when you host a Travel Party. A Grand Circle Representative will share a vacation presentation, a raffle, and exclusive savings for your guests. For each new traveler who reserves after your party, you’ll earn increasing rewards, valued up to $5,800.

Worldwide Discovery

Traveling with Grand Circle is about more than sightseeing. It’s about immersing yourself in other cultures, sharing the warm camaraderie of like-minded American travelers, and feeling comfortable, safe, and well-cared for every step of the way....

Grand Circle Advantages

Grand Circle invites you to travel with the leader in worldwide learning and discovery and bring your travel dreams to life, thanks to the principles that ground every one of our vacations: value, choice, discovery, and careful pacing.

The Grand Circle Experience

Watch our video of travelers on location on our River Cruises and Land Tours, and you’ll see the discoveries that await you—not to mention the spirited camaraderie of our trips, a quality that singles and couples alike often cite as a highlight of their travel experience.

Program Directors

No matter where in the world you venture with Grand Circle, you'll have one of our resident, expert Program Directors by your side, every step of the way. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching vacation.

Personalize your trip

Airport Transfers

We’ve listened to your feedback, and will now offer international airport transfers to and from your hotel to our travelers who choose to purchase their own airfare on any Grand Circle vacation as part of our Personalize Your Trip program, which allows you create the Grand Circle vacation that's right for you.

Inner Circle Club

Many Grand Circle travelers return to discover the world with us time and time again, and to show our appreciation, we've created the Inner Circle, a membership rewards program for travelers who've joined us on three or more vacations.

People and Culture

Grand Circle Foundation

Alan and Harriet Lewis created the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation with the mission of changing people’s lives through travel—which includes both the travelers who journey with OAT, and the local people who welcome us so warmly into their homelands.

Cuba People-to-People

Grand Circle Foundation is one of the few organizations sanctioned by the U.S. government to offer legal, fully-licensed travel to Cuba. By limiting our group size to just 12-20 participants on each of our two unique programs, we’re able to provide you with rich insights into Cuban life.

Facebook

Learn more about our Facebook online community, a place where you can stay connected with Grand Circle and your fellow travelers. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, get advice, find travel companions, learn what’s new at Grand Circle, share your photos, videos, and stories, and more.

Traveler Celebration Events

Our regional Traveler Celebration Events are opportunities for you to meet other world travelers who share your passion for learning and discovery, swap travel stories, and give us feedback on how we can to make your experience even better—plus, you’ll be one of the first to preview upcoming trips.

Want to get to know us?

Join us for a free and informative Travel Presentation & Reception in your area EXCLUSIVELY for new customers, and discover why—with Grand Circle & Overseas Adventure Travel—your next trip will be the experience of a lifetime. At this event and luncheon, you will learn what sets our travel company apart from the rest.

Upcoming Events in Boston

If you live in or around Greater Boston, or plan to visit the area in the future, I hope you’ll consider joining Grand Circle in Harriet’s Corner—the special space in our Boston headquarters that serves as a physical embodiment of the “virtual” community we share online.

Grand Circle Gallery

Grand Circle Gallery in Boston invites you to view our extensive collection of vintage travel posters and breathtaking black-and-white photography from Alan and Harriet Lewis’ private collection, as well as special exhibits on other travel-related themes.

Any questions? Schedule a call with our expert Travel Counselors at a time that’s convenient for you. Fill out the form to the right, and we’ll call you to:

Find your best possible value

Compare travel dates based on weather, pricing, and more

Coordinate plans with friends or family

Check the availability of single spaces and extensions

Answer any other questions

Or, make your reservation

Our Travel Counselors are ready to answer any questions you have about your reservation—simply complete the form to the right to get started. A member of our Traveler Support Department will contact you by your preferred method to answer your questions, which may include: